ATLANTA – City of Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms unveiled the new outdoor
Atlanta Hawks community basketball court at Selena S. Butler Park, adjacent to
the Martin Luther King, Jr. Recreation and Aquatic Center. On-site at the
ceremony was Principal Owner Tony Ressler, Chief Executive Officer Steve Koonin,
Head Coach Lloyd Pierce, first-year guard Trae Young, Hawks legend Dominique
Wilkins and Atlanta Hawks Foundation Executive Director David Lee. In addition,
the City’s Department of Parks and Recreation Commissioner John Dargle, Jr. and
City Councilmember Natalyn Archibong, as well as Dr. Elder Bernice King, were on
site. State Farm Assistant Vice President of Human Resources Clarence Hearns
joined as well.
“Dr. King’s legacy is one of service, selflessness and universal human dignity,”
said Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms. “The Atlanta Hawks’ investment in our
communities continues his legacy, and Atlanta is fortunate to have a hometown
team that gives so much to its neighbors and fans.”
The Selena S. Butler Park outdoor courts mark the sixth Atlanta Hawks court
renovation project completed in collaboration with the Department of Parks and
Recreation. These courts will be the first that feature a special black-and-gold
color scheme marking the 50th anniversary of the Atlanta Hawks. The unique color
scheme also pays tribute and honors the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther
King, Jr. for his contributions to the City of Atlanta and the country. Previous
Atlanta Hawks basketball court renovations include Grant Park, Bessie Branham
Park, William Walker Recreation Center, Coan Park and Central Park basketball
courts.
“Thank you to the Atlanta Hawks, Dr. Elder Bernice King, and partners for being
here today and for helping make this project a reality,” said Department of
Parks and Recreation Commissioner John Dargle. “Atlanta is the birthplace of Dr.
King and the recreation center and these courts represent his legacy. Through
our work and our partnerships Atlanta Parks and Rec works to offer exceptional
amenities, programs, and facilities to residents and visitors and these courts
are an example of that.”
“We are humbled to partake in honoring Dr. King and his legacy as our team
celebrates 50 years in the city of Atlanta,” Atlanta Hawks & State Farm Arena
CEO Steve Koonin said. “On behalf of our fans and our partners at the city,
State Farm and UPS, we can’t think of a better way to celebrate Dr. King’s
legacy than by putting a commemorative 50th anniversary court next to the MLK
Recreation Center, and we are delighted to find another meaningful way to unite
this city through the sport of basketball.”
At the event, both State Farm and Goodr teamed up to provide a free pop-up
grocery “store” for more than 100 seniors in attendance as part of the State
Farm Neighborhood of Good activation. Hawks and UPS co-branded basketballs were
handed out to the youth in attendance. UPS shipped and delivered the court.
The event had special appearances from team mascot Harry The Hawk, the Hawks ATL
Dancers and the Hawks’ Flight Crew. The brothers of the Alpha Phi Alpha
Fraternity from Morehouse College also performed a step routine.
In 2015, the Atlanta Hawks Foundation pledged to revamp 25 metro Atlanta
basketball courts by 2020. These renovations will positively affect
approximately 465,000 residents throughout Atlanta. Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms
continues to work to ensure our neighborhoods and communities thrive and provide
world-class infrastructure and services.
For more information about the Hawks work in the community, visit
hawks.com/community.
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